We have managers, we need leaders now!


Nishant Kumar

We often make a mistake by perceiving leadership and management as synonyms.  

Whenever a requirement for a managerial position is published, we see that it is specified that the candidate should have leadership qualities. This shows that leadership is an additional trait expected in a manager.

To make it easy to understand, a leader leads people and a manager manages task.

So here’s what you need to develop in yourself to become a leader.

A manager likes to run the organization as a machine, feels comfortable in a steady environment where nothing is rocking. A leader, by contrast, prefers changes and improvements. Become a catalyst to bring in that change around you and you will become a leader.

A manager gets the task done effectively from his team. He works closely with his team members and inspires them to achieve the expected results. Generally, well documented guidelines are handed over to a manager and it is expected from him and his team to follow them. A manager is mere a puppet of those well scripted guidelines. He follows the system as it is to accomplish certain task.

A leader, apart from managing a team, brings changes, underlines the flaws and loopholes in the existing system and dares to take corrective actions. He not only brings changes to improve processes but also inspires members to be more responsible. He emphasizes to develop more powerful team that can confront any patchy situation. He gives an end result – a highly motivated and high performing team.

People willingly follow a leader as they have confidence in him. They know that he has a clear sense of direction, a strong vision and mission for the future. He can get quality results from an average team.

Remember, people prefer to be led rather than driven.

It is quite easy to become a boss by just acquiring authority and power to accomplish certain job. You can use your power and get things done as a manager but you cannot bring the burning desire among your followers to achieve higher goals without leadership quality.

There are certain qualities that are hallmark of a good leader.

Integrity

Integrity conveys a sense of adherence to principles and values. We demand integrity in leaders as we extend so much power to them. It is a vital quality that drives people to trust. Any integrity lapse from a leader is very hard for the followers to take up.

Enthusiasm

Leader inspires his squad through his own enthusiasm. A successful leader is highly motivated and full of energy. He cultivates and transfers his energy to followers through his enthusiasm.

Tough and fair

Toughness and fairness are the desirable qualities of a leader. He should be tough enough to take difficult decisions. But his toughness will only be tolerated if he is fair in his decision without indulging into any kind of favoritism.

Innovative

A leader never relaxes with the current system and always looks for a better one. He lives in the world of innovation, change and improvement. He instills these believes to his followers.

Calmness

One who can maintain calmness under pressure will definitely earn respect and can help others calm during turmoil.

Courageous

You need to have courage to withstand any odds. Remember, bravery is both inspirational and infectious.

Honesty

As said since the school days, it is indeed the best policy.

The above qualities are most sought traits by the employers. These are not something unusual that we cannot acquire. Be aware of these traits and by exhibiting them on regular basis, you can also become a leader.



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Discussion Board
Leaders are innovator

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower

Success and failure of a business is largely attributed by its leadership.

Leaders can only sail a business through ups and downs.

Today, when change is only constant, only a leader with his innovative ideas can bail out from unpredictable and dreaded market situation.

An organization is in dire need to offer leadership culture in a bid to develop leaders.

While getting employed, GEN Y prefers those companies who are well prepared to nurture and nurse future leaders.

Nishant Singh 02-15-2012 04:04 AM

 

 

 
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